: Most of these garments entered our realm only after prototypes were hand made
: by inventors, do-it-yourselfers, and other entrepreneurs.

Of course, but we're not talking about a new type of garment, we're talking about making something that already exists in many field-proven permutations.

: While there is a lot to be said for buying a reliable brand, the world also
: needs people who have the experience of doing these things themselves. How
: else would there ever be enough expertise around to create the next
: generation?

Again, I agree. That's why I build boats and other things and am constantly experimenting. However, some things fall into the realm of "Do I really want to do that?" A good example is the idea of using Tyvek suits for paddling. What seems to be getting lost in the rush to innovate is that these are DISPOSABLE suits. I don't think of my dry suit that way at all.

: Besides, playing with this stuff is a blast, and you can do it inside in the
: winter when it is too cold to use epoxy. Unless, of course, you want to
: join me in wearing polar bear suits while we paddle a tandem in Alaska

I'll be out in my dry suit, warm and happy, enjoying the relatively boat-free waters.